For travelers managing chronic health issues or recent diagnoses, trip planning often comes with extra questions — especially when it comes to insurance. One of the most common concerns is whether travel insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions.
If this applies to you or someone you’re traveling with, understanding how Arch RoamRight travel insurance addresses pre-existing conditions can help you make more informed decisions.
🔍 What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is typically defined as any injury, illness, or medical condition that was diagnosed, treated, or showed symptoms within a certain timeframe before your policy was purchased.
With Arch RoamRight, that timeframe — known as the look-back period — is typically 120 days, depending on the plan. This period is used to determine whether a condition qualifies as “pre-existing.”
🛡️ Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Travel insurance can cover pre-existing conditions, but the coverage is not automatic. Instead, it’s usually available through a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver, which can be added under specific conditions.
At Arch RoamRight, travelers may qualify for this waiver if they:
- Purchase the insurance plan within a defined time period after their initial trip deposit (often 14 – 21 days, depending on the plan)
- Are not disabled from travel at the time the policy is purchased
- Insure the full, non-refundable cost of their trip
This waiver allows the plan to cover losses due to pre-existing conditions, provided all the listed requirements are met.
💡 How to Qualify for a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver
Timing is critical. The waiver is typically available only if you purchase your Arch RoamRight travel insurance plan within 14 to 21 days of making your initial trip payment, depending on the plan. If you wait too long, the waiver may no longer be available.
Steps to improve availability of the waiver:
- Purchase your policy early – ideally within 1–2 weeks of booking your first travel expense.
- Insure all non-refundable costs – including flights, hotels and tours.
- Confirm you are medically fit to travel when you buy the policy.
You can easily see if the waiver is available during the Arch RoamRight quote process — and our licensed agents are available to help if you have questions.
⚠️ What Happens Without the Waiver?
Without the waiver, your policy may still provide travel insurance coverage — but not for any claims related to a pre-existing condition. That could include:
- Trip cancellation due to a flare-up of a known medical issue
- Medical expenses related to a previously treated condition
- Emergency evacuation due to a recurring diagnosis
This is why it’s important to understand and meet the waiver conditions, and why purchasing your plan early is so important.
🧳 Example Scenario
Case:
A traveler with a heart condition books a cruise and buys Arch RoamRight travel insurance 10 days later. Because they purchased within the required window and were not disabled from travel at the time of purchase, the pre-existing condition exclusion waiver was available to apply to a claim.
If they experience a heart-related issue before or during the trip, and the event is a covered reason under the plan, they may be eligible for trip cancellation reimbursement or emergency medical benefits under their policy.
📋 What Else Should You Know?
- You don’t need to disclose specific medical conditions during the quote process.
- Always review the full policy document to understand how pre-existing conditions are defined and excluded.
- If you’re unsure, speak with a licensed Arch RoamRight representative for personalized guidance.
✅ Travel Confidently, Even With a Medical History
Managing a medical condition doesn’t mean you have to give up travel — but it does mean you should plan ahead. With Arch RoamRight, travelers have the option to secure coverage that waives pre-existing conditions if the right steps are taken early.
Get started today with a no-obligation quote.
Visit RoamRight.com to learn more.